Gamou
Din
Ace Lee
Demba DIOP Senior Secondary School English Cell 2016/17
Full name/ Class:
Premieres L Second Term Exam. Duration : 3 hours
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Can you imagine life without music? No soothing lullabies. No romantic serenades.
No lively pop songs. No stirring symphonies. And no inspirational melodies. Most would
consider that a dull and unappealing prospect. Yes, music appeals to virtually the full range of
human emotions. It soothes and excites us, uplifts and inspires us. It moves us to ecstasy and
reduces us to tears. Moreover, because music speaks straight to our heart, it has power. Why
are we so moved by music? The answer is really quite simple: Music is a beautiful gift from
God. As such, it should be treasured, it should be wholesome, and it should be available to
all- young and old.
Music has a very long history. For example, archaeological evidence indicates that
centuries before our Common Era, African tribes played drums, horns, and bells. The ancient
Chinese played a form of mouth organ and panpipes. The people of Egypt, India, Israel, and
Mesopotamia played the harp. Of course, to enjoy instrumental music in those days, you had
to play an instrument or listen to someone who could. Nowadays, though, music is available
to millions at the touch of a button or the click of a mouse? Indeed, all forms of it can be
recorded or downloaded and played on devices that can be slipped into your pocket. A 2009
survey in one Western land found that 8 to 18-years-olds spend more than two hours a day
listening to music and other audio recordings.
This trend, which is not uncommon, helps explain why music and the related
technologies have become major commercial products. Indeed, music is big business. But
have you wondered what it takes to make a hit? The music industry is fast-paced, fickle, and
ultracompetitive. Musical tastes change, hits grow stale, and new tastes and technologies
supersede the old. Promoters << are always looking for the hottest new sound, » says social-
media expert Kelli S. BURNS. But turning that « sound » into a hit is not easy. » A lot of kids
dream of becoming recording stars,... but it's often a long, tough road between the dream and
the recording contract, » says an industry guidebook
Another factor to consider is that music has a downside. Many songs have innocent
lyrics.But others, either subtly or openly, approve of or even promote behavior that violates
wholesome values. Indeed, some musical genres are known for depravity, hatred, and
violence. "Rap lyrics are occasionnally shocking, sometimes brutal, and rife with misogyny
and obscenities," says author Karen STERNHEIMER. Heavy-metal lyrics often include
violence and the occult. Even mainstream pop music may promote questionable behavior. So
when choosing music, use << your power of reason » to make wise choices. Do not just blindly
go along with what is popular or has a good sound.
AWAKE! August 2011
EMIE
ACADEM
THIES
CENSEUR*
LEE DEMBA
dola
nadat 92